Breaking Cycles (y02w13)

I’ve been trying to start this post for the last three days, but life has been a bit messy.

First, yesterday I had nerve pain in my neck that nearly put me out of commission. The image you see above was what I picked up at the drugstore on my way to work, just to get through the day.

I don’t want to get into it too much, but I’ve had neck problems most of my life. About fifteen years ago, I noticed I had fewer issues once I started lifting weights, and frankly, that’s one of the reasons I am so committed to weightlifting.

This morning, I am nearly back to 100% after yesterday’s flare-up because I now know what to do to break the cycle. I use a TENS unit, apply moist heat, do a few key stretches, and attack it head-on.

Frankly, I’m now a master at handling this pain with no meds, but that wasn’t always the case. I used to have to take painkillers just to function.

So I guess you can say I successfully broke this negative cycle:

Neck/Nerve Pain ➡️ Take Pain Meds ➡️ Wait it out (sometimes weeks) ➡️ Back to normal

And replaced it with:

Neck/Nerve Pain ➡️ Start self-physical therapy ➡️ Apply heat ➡️ Wear TENS ➡️ Massage ➡️ Stretch

Now I’m back to normal in about two days.

I think recognizing and learning to break cycles is one of my superpowers. As a chronic overthinker, I constantly self-analyze, which helps me identify patterns. Once I see the pattern, I can figure out a solution.

I’ve done this in other areas of my life, too. I broke a bad body image/binge eating cycle (that took years). In my 30+ year relationship, we’ve learned to recognize the patterns that lead to arguments, and most of the time, one of us steps in before it escalates. Even as a parent, I broke the cycle of reacting the same way over and over before I learned how to communicate more effectively without yelling.

But there’s one cycle I haven’t been able to break.

It shows up twice a year, every semester.

Mapping this out actually felt a little therapeutic. I shared it with a colleague, and she confirmed she’s in the same cycle. That helped, but it doesn’t change the emotional rollercoaster I feel every damn semester.

We all know the definition of insanity. And I’m starting to think the answer here isn’t breaking the cycle the way I have in other areas of my life.

I don’t have it all figured out yet. All I know is I cannot care more than the students.

But I do.

That’s what makes me a good teacher, but I also need to figure out how to navigate this cycle without letting it drain me every semester.

Suggestions welcome.

On to my goal updates!

2026 Goal Tracking

Cooking/Food

#SaladTime

Goal: Once a Week ❌ On Hold

I may not be recording new videos, but I have been killing it in the salad department this week!

First up: mixed greens, blackberries, avocado, grilled chicken, feta, pistachios, balsamic.

Yesterday’s was baby arugula, baby spinach, scallions, sweet potato, steak, pepitas, smoked cheddar, and maple-Worcestershire vinaigrette.

And today: mixed greens, grilled chicken, apple, bacon, slivered almonds, apple cider maple vinaigrette.

I’m not going to lie, I’m starting to get addicted to my dinner salads!

#SaladTime videos! You can see them all here in a YouTube playlist.

Weekly Soup/Stew

Goal: Once a Week ✅

My soup this week also kicked ass!

Toasted red pepper and tomato with ravioli, grilled chicken, and arugula.

Sourdough

Goal: Once a Week ✅

I made my mom another loaf of rye this week!

Again, I’m shocked at how it came out. So good!

Homemade Pasta

Goal: Once a Month

• January 1/9 ✅
• February 2/15 ✅
• March 3/1 ✅

I’m holding out until April. There’s no way I have the energy for this now.

Evan in the Kitchen

Goal: Once a Week ❌

Okay, so STILL failing, but he got a job at a snowball stand, so that’s a win.

Fitness/Weightlifting

Olympic Lifting Training

Week two of my strength cycle, and I was slightly derailed with my neck issues, but I should still get all workouts in this week.

Handstands/Pull Ups/Jump Rope

I’m going to put together a formal program for myself for these once classes end.

Daily Walks

I got out there every day but one this week!

Hikes

• Goal: Twice a month
  • January 1/3, 1/15, 1/23 ✅
  • February ❌
  • March 3/21

Finally got back on the trails with my hiking buddy!

Hot Yoga

• Goal: Twice a month
  • January 1/4, 1/11, 1/18  ✅ 
  • February 2/1 ❌
  • March 3/1, 3/15, 3/22 ✅ 

I am slightly addicted to this Sunday morning tradition.

Pickleball

Waiting for the next league to start!

Creative/Other Pursuits

Music

I started a 10-day YouTube course, and I love it!

Painting

Nothing this week.

Acting Class/Drum Lessons

No progress — yet! I researched both and have very loose plans for this summer.

Spanish

Keeping up with Duolingo… no other progress.

Alcohol Reduction

• Goal: No more than two days of drinking a month.
  • January 1/1, 1/31 ✅
  • February 2/1, 2/21 ✅
  • March 3/21

Had some wine with the Husband last weekend.

Looking Ahead

Next week is spring break, and I am so looking forward to it! The Husband and I will be celebrating our 25th anniversary a little early with a short trip, and I can’t wait to disconnect for a few days!